This Virginia State Park has miles of trails with stunning lake views. Check out these Smith Mountain Lake hiking trails on your next visit!

 

Park Information

In 1960, Appalachian Power built a dam on the Roanoke River in Smith Mountain Gap, creating Smith Mountain Lake. They completed the dam in 1967 and donated some of the surrounding land to form the park. The state of Virginia bought the land and opened the park to the public in 1983.

Things to Do: hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, boat rentals

When to Visit: April-October (park hours are 8:30am-dusk)

Visitors Center: Weekdays 8am-4:30pm, Fridays/Saturdays 8am-8:30pm 

Standard Camping Fee: $25 for Virginia Residents, $30 for Non-Residents 

Cabin Nightly Fee: $130-$149 Prime Season (April-October), $118-$135 Standard Season (November-March)

Entrance Fee: $7 

 

Official Park Map

 

Smith Mountain Lake Hiking Trails

All Smith Mountain Lake hiking trails range from half a mile to three miles long. Most of the trails connect to form loops all across the park. All trails are dog friendly as long as you keep your four legged friends on a leash. Most trails are accessible and very family friendly. Hikers of any skill level can enjoy these treks with minimal elevation gain and beautiful lake views! 

 

Turtle Island

The most popular trail in the park, Turtle Island, is a 1.4 mile loop trail on the lake. Named for the aerial view of this island resembling a turtle, Turtle Island features a cute bridge, benches to rest, and plenty of lake views! Parking is super convenient and right by the trailhead, which is fairly easy to find. 

The hike itself is beautiful! You can find a bunch of little rocks to explore, or simply sit and enjoy the view of the lake. Definitely check out this trail on your next visit. 

 

Chestnut Ridge Trail

Chestnut Ridge is a 1.7 mile loop trail that is a little less trafficked. This little peninsula features a tobacco barn ruin and a unique view of Carter’s Island. Hike through Virginia Pines and old hardwood trees, and look out for signs of beaver activity! 

 

Buck Run Trail

Connected to the Chestnut Ridge Trail is Buck Run, a 1.74 mile out and back trail. Buck Run features views of the deepest cove in the park and is primarily used for birdwatching. Check out this trail to see some Great Blue Herons hunting around! 

 

Lakeview Trail

Lakeview Trail is an easy 0.3 mile loop that surrounds the Discovery Center. Bring some binoculars on this hike! A bridge on this trail allows for a perfect view of their Osprey nest platform, which is known for housing Ospreys during nesting season. Catch a glimpse of these amazing birds between late March and early September. During nesting season, part of this trail remains closed to protect the birds, so come back to see the rest of the peninsula after they take flight.

 

Opossum Trot Trail

Opossum Trot Trail is a 0.4 mile easy hillside trail featuring stunning wildflowers native to Virginia. It winds its way through two coves that look across the lake before connecting to the Turtle Island and Tobacco Run trails on either side. If you love admiring the native flora, check out these amazing views! 

 

For more information about Smith Mountain Lake State Park, visit Virginia DCR.  

Check out any of these trails and more on your next visit. Another close by hike is the Sharp Top Trail, one of Virginia’s most popular hikes! 

What are some of your favorite Virginia trails?